Simulation of Blood Clot Removal by Aspiration Thrombectomy in Cerebral Vessels usingGeometry Optimization of the Aspiration Device

Resumen

Thrombectomy by aspiration is one of the most effective systems for vessel recanalization. We present the results of a study on the modelling and elimination of blood clots in the arteries of the human body using Bond-Graph methodology. The modelling focuses on the clot and the distal end section of an aspiration device that improves the effectiveness of the treatment by reducing the risk of breaking the clot. The final model considers an elastic characterization of the blood clot and the possibility of achieving a process of progressive detachment of the clot from the vessel wall. An optimization process based on a design of experiments (DOE) is undertaken. The results show good agreement between the Bond-Graph techniques and the Finite Element Method models considered for validation (Computer Fluid Dynamics and nonlinear mechanics). Physical tests with gelatine also validate the results. We conclude that the proposed geometry will potentially improve the results of recanalization when blood clots are extracted from the arteries for a range of given parameters.